ISLAMABAD: During a recent session led by Chairperson MNA Nosheen Iftikhar, the parliamentary committee on human rights engaged in extensive discussions on key legislation, human rights issues, cybercrime, and social concerns.
The meeting was marked by sharp criticisms regarding the absence of crucial ministry representatives, with the chairperson highlighting that the previous meeting also lacked participation from the relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Law and Justice.
In response to these concerns, the Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights clarified that the Director General had recently been replaced and attributed delays in proceedings to VIP movements on the day of the last meeting. Despite these issues, the committee moved forward with the approval of the Islamabad Capital Territory Senior Citizens (Amendment) Bill 2025 via a majority vote. The Secretary further explained that, following a Supreme Court ruling, the government had decided that minor policy matters would now be managed directly by the respective ministries rather than being routed through the federal cabinet. The Ministry of Law and Justice has been tasked with developing an implementation plan.
The committee decided to defer discussion on the Pakistan Climate Refugees Rights and Protection Bill 2024 for the time being. Regarding minority rights, the Secretary of the Ministry of Human Rights assured the committee that the establishment and operationalization of the National Commission for Minority Rights would be prioritized after the law’s enactment. He also mentioned that the Speaker of the National Assembly had directed the formation of a four-member committee dedicated to this cause.
The panel was informed about Pakistan’s efforts, in collaboration with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), to voice support for women, children, and elderly populations in Gaza. Officials reported active diplomatic engagement through various international forums and ongoing coordination with the OIC.
On the issue of child marriage legislation, the Secretary reported that the law had been enforced in Islamabad and Balochistan, while enforcement in Punjab remains pending. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the law was referred to the Council of Islamic Ideology, and enforcement efforts in Sindh were reported as weak. A Ministry of Law and Justice representative added that marriage registrars in Islamabad are now verifying ages prior to marriage registration.The committee was also briefed on the plight of Pakistani citizens detained illegally abroad. The Secretary indicated that a report was being compiled by the Ministry of Interior on such cases.
During the session, member Asia Naz Tanoli raised serious concerns about the use of a distinctive white, chocolate-shaped drug among girls, offering to present photographic evidence. The chairperson announced that a dedicated meeting would be scheduled to examine this issue thoroughly. Worries about rising drug abuse, violence, and suicides across the country were also expressed. Members discussed increasing harassment on social media, the easy access of children to harmful apps, and the limited capacity of cybercrime authorities to process complaints effectively.
Naz Baloch highlighted that women often hesitate to report cybercrimes, and many cases are either ignored or delayed for months. The chairperson added that in some instances, FIA officials had demanded bribes or informed accused individuals about complaints filed against them. Sharing her own experience, Nosheen Iftikhar revealed that her cybercrime case had taken nine months to resolve. She concluded by announcing plans to convene a caucus meeting specifically to address cybercrime issues, following a discussion with member Naz Baloch.
